Articles by Chris Wheal
BHSF surplus slashed by economic woes
Birmingham-based health insurer BHSF has reported premium income growth of 1.6%, but a sharp fall in surplus before tax to £1,038m compared with £3,465m for the previous year.
Towergate results flat but Hodges happy
Towergate has claimed that its full year results for 2011 in line with 2010 was "a positive achievement in a year which was a challenging market for the insurance sector".
Canopius swallows Omega for £164m
Omega bosses have agreed to a takeover by Canopius and will recommend the 67p a share cash offer in a deal worth £163.6m.
Aon's political risk and terrorism map warns 37 countries are more dangerous
Aon Risk Solutions has downgraded 37 countries including the UK in its 2012 Terrorism & Political Violence Map, largely due to civil unrest.
One Answer Network signals commercial growth with IT poach from Powerplace
One Answer Network is to expand its commercial offering with the appointment of Carl Chapman, pictured, to the newly created position of commercial development and training manager.
QBE highlights dangers of slack fraud control at UK firms
Businesses have failed to update their anti-fraud procedures, despite one in five suffering fraud in the past 12 months, says insurer.
Ai Claims recommends Quindell takeover
Ai Claims has recommended accepting Quindell's takeover offer announced on 2 April 2012.
G4S hires ex-Navy counter-piracy expert
G4S Risk Management has appointed former NATO counter-piracy officer Martin Ewence, pictured, as head of maritime security.
Devaney bolsters QBE's risk management
QBE has recruited Martin Devaney to its risk management services team as senior client risk manager.
Alarm on the hunt for new chief executive
Council risk management group Alarm has announced that chief executive Dr Lynn Drennan, pictured, has decided to take early retirement with effect from 31 July 2012, after six years with the company.
Liberty recruits Whelan to crisis team
Liberty International Underwriters Europe has appointed Brenda Whelan, pictured, as senior underwriter for crisis management.
Cardinus names Speke to grow business
Cardinus Risk Management has appointed Tracey Speke, pictured, as a business development manager.
Biba demands action on whiplash claims
The British Insurance Brokers Association has called on the government to commit to a timescale and announce details of its work to reduce the number and cost of fraudulent whiplash claims.
Groupama promotes Lomas in household
Groupama has promoted Andy Lomas, pictured, to head of household after Craig Allen announced he is to leave next month.
LV recruits Townsend for east Midlands
LV Broker has appointed James Townsend as a regional sales executive responsible for the east Midlands.
DAS launches Loss Assist that will hire adjusters to help businesses with claims
Legal expenses insurer DAS is launching a Loss Assist product sold as an add-on to business insurance that will provide a chartered loss adjuster to help firms compile valid and accurate claims.
Liberty offers better car after write offs
Liberty Insurance in Ireland, which took over the Quinn business, has said it will replace written off cars with a newer model or one worth 20% more.
ABI demands government action on costs
The Association of British Insurers has called for action to tackle fraud and reduce legal costs in motor claims after the government responded to the Transport Committee's report on rising premiums.
Davies swoops for liability adjuster Ufton
Private equity-backed loss adjuster Davies has bought liability and construction specialist Ufton Associates.
R&Q could eye a partner for Brit run-off
Run-off specialist Randal & Quilter has indicated it could be interested in taking over the Brit business put into run off after QBE takes over renewals in the UK, but said it expected to focus on a stream of profitable smaller run-off deals.
Canopius adds Golfplan to broker K Drewe
Canopius has bought the business and client portfolio of Golfplan International Insurance, a provider of specialist golf insurance and an official supplier to the Professional Golfers' Association.
David Hare to be actuaries' president-elect
The Council of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries has elected Dr David Hare as president-elect.
XL restructures international primary casualty business into four groups
The insurance segment of XL Group has reorganised its international primary casualty business, creating four teams built around underwriting tasks and account type.
Confused creates home cover Facebook app
Confused has launched a Facebook video app called House of Horrors to raise awareness of the importance of home insurance, coinciding with the launch of the aggregator's Nectar campaign.